Boxer Simiso Buthelezi dies after suffering a brain injury that made him fight an invisible opponent
South African boxer Simiso Buthelezi has died in hospital after suffering a horrifying brain injury during his fight in Durban over the weekend.
The 24-year-old battled Siphesihle Mntungwa on Sunday and seemed to control the competition until the 10th round.
Replays showed Buthelezi had received a stiff jab to the chin, forcing him to briefly fall face first against the ropes.
There were disturbing scenes as the action resumed as Buthelezi turned away from his opponent as he began swinging punches in the air like he was fighting an unseen opponent.
After the contest was waved off, Buthelezi was taken to the hospital and placed in an induced coma, with reports claiming he suffered a cerebral hemorrhage.
But in a tragic development, South African boxing authorities have now confirmed that he has passed away.
“It is with great sadness that Boxing South Africa and the Buthelezi family announce the death of Mr. Simiso Buthelezi, who passed away last night, June 7, 2022 in hospital in Durban,” they said in a joint statement.
“Boxing South Africa will conduct an independent medical investigation into the injury and will then release the results of that medical investigation.
“The Buthelezi family and Boxing South Africa would like to thank the Minister for Sport, Arts and Culture for the warm words of condolences.
“The Buthelezi family and Boxing South Africa will announce the funeral arrangements in due course.
“Boxing South Africa and the Buthelezi family would like to ask the public and media to give them space as they mourn the passing of this great boxer who was an example both outside and in the ring.”
According to reports from South Africa, Buthelezi was a very recent university graduate in botany and zoology. He had won all four of his previous fights prior to Sunday.
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https://metro.co.uk/2022/06/08/boxer-simiso-buthelezi-dies-after-brain-injury-that-left-him-fighting-an-invisible-opponent-16791948/ Boxer Simiso Buthelezi dies after suffering a brain injury that made him fight an invisible opponent